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Seniors’ dental health integral part of total well-being

Seniors’ dental health has its own special requirements for a very different phase of life, notes George Street Dental in Brockville, Ontario. What follows are some of the clinic’s recommendations to develop best-care dental practices for seniors.

Changes do occur to a person’s teeth and gums as they age. For this reason, and throughout our lives, it’s necessary to change how we care for our teeth. We are never too old to care for our teeth and we are also never too old to stop seeing our dentist. The good news is that healthy teeth and gums can be maintained throughout our lifetimes.

Proper brushing and flossing are two of the fundamental practices that will help maintain good oral health for life. Brushing should be done at least twice a day, especially after meals and just before going to bed. Brushing is best done with a very soft-bristled toothbrush that can be used gently in and around all the teeth and gums without causing any irritation. Go slowly, and take your time trying to reach all parts of your teeth, but be particularly careful around any areas that might feel sensitive.

Flossing has earned a high-value reputation over the years for its benefits to dental health. Flossing has been shown to clean as much as 30 per cent of areas not reached by your toothbrush. Flossing should be done at least once a day. Here too, take your time and get into the habit of using the floss to ride up and down the sides of each tooth in all parts of your mouth. Be certain to get right down to the gum line. For those who find it difficult to hold the floss, try using dental tape or use a plastic floss holder, which you can get from most drugstores or your dentist.

Maintaining regular dental checkups is as important for seniors as it is for all other age groups. Even for those who take great care of their teeth through diligent brushing and flossing, your dentist needs to watch for any potential changes that might occur in your mouth. It’s also imperative to get regular cleanings to remove plaque, a major cause of gum disease. For people who have dentures, partials or implants, changes can occur with the gums (and the jaw) that should be monitored. Finally, regular dental checkups also provide an opportunity for your dentist to speak to you about up-to-date knowledge concerning best-care practices.

Sometimes people lose teeth as they age. If you’re a senior and you’ve experienced tooth loss, your dentist needs to see you to evaluate the cause and provide a solution. Options are available, not only to stem any further tooth loss but also to replace missing teeth. Dental implants have become a popular, innovative dental procedure used to replace lost or severely damaged teeth, and can often be used as a permanent alternative in place of partials and bridges.

Contact Family Care Dental Clinic for your consultation today!

We at Family Care Dental Clinic offer our clients a wide range of comprehensive dental services for the whole family. Our dentists can help everyone in your family understand the importance of proper oral hygiene over time and the positive effects it has on your health. At Family Care Dental Clinic, we treat our clients to a soothing environment where they can receive quality dental care no matter what their needs are. Call (604) 987-3545 or write us at info@familycaredentalclinic.com to schedule an appointment with a member of our excellent team!